We are recruiting highly motivated research technicians to participate in a new academic-industrial global initiative supported by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The project aims to: (1) Explore and validate new approaches to target LRRK2; (2) Perform systematic mechanistic, structural and safety analyses to benchmark new LRRK2 modifiers that emerge from this effort and (3) identify clinically relevant biomarkers for LRRK2-driven Parkinson's disease that will facilitate the selection of patients who respond to LRRK2 inhibitor therapy. We aim to galvanise research and accelerate the development of Parkinson's disease therapeutics. These positions enable further training in state-of-the-art methods through the course of the project, and involve wider collaboration with Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit members, other academic Institutions worldwide and industrial partners working in this area.
The appointed post holder will be based within the laboratories of Dario Alessi, Esther Sammler and Paul Davies within the University of Dundee's MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU, #removed#/).
The successful applicant will have previous knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Mechanistic cell biology employing a multidisciplinary approach including molecular, biochemical, physiological, mass spectrometry, pharmacological and genetic methodologies.
- Screening and characterisation of compounds in in vitro and in vivo assays.
- Protein purification.
- Structural biology.
- Computational and AI modelling for hit discovery and optimisation.
- Biophysical assays to investigate protein/protein interactions and for compound screening.
Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis (proteomic, lipidomic, metabolomic, post translational modifications), preferably in clinical samples.
Bioinformatic methodologies and analysis of large datasets including mass spectrometry data.
Your priorities will include:- To undertake research in the relevant discipline area using the appropriate methods and/or techniques.
- To support the production of research reports and/or publications as required by the funding body or for dissemination to the wider academic community.
- To collaborate with research colleagues and support staff internally as appropriate to the research.
- To undertake any other duties relevant to the programme of research as required.
Who we're looking for:- Previous hands-on experience in one or more of the following: biochemistry, mass spectrometry, cell biology, molecular biology, structural biology, signal transduction, data analysis and bioinformatic analysis.
- Hand-on experience in experimental techniques and data analysis that are relevant to the role.
- Knowledge and interest in understanding pathways that are linked to neurodegeneration and Parkinson's disease.
- Ability to work in a team in a highly collaborative manner, embracing the principles of Open Science.
- Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Excellent knowledge of the English language is essential.
Additional requirements for Grade 6 positions include:
- MSc in a relevant discipline.
- Experience in independent research projects.
- Experience in multi-institutional and/or industry collaborations is highly desirable.
For further information about this position please contact please contact Prof. Dario Alessi (#removed#), Dr Esther Sammler (#removed#), Dr Paul Davies (#removed#) or Dr Francesca Tonelli (#removed#).
